New Jersey Realtor® May/June 2022

NEW JERSEY

REALTOR

®

May/June 2022: VOLUME 8 ISSUE 3

OPEN TO RENOVATIONS

Paying for Renovations Home Designs for Zodiac Signs

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NEW YORK NEW YORK

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CONNECTICUT CONNECTICUT

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NEW JERSEY REALTOR® A publication of New Jersey Realtors®

10 Hamilton Avenue Trenton, NJ 08611 Phone: 609-341-7100 njrealtor.com

22

Jarrod C. Grasso, RCE Chief Executive Officer PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT Colleen King Oliver

Director of Public Relations &

Marketing | editor@njrealtor.com

Erin McFeeters

Content Coordinator

Dana Fiori

Communications Coordinator

2022 OFFICERS Robert White

President

Nick Manis

President-Elect

Gloria Monks

First Vice President

Gloria Siciliano

Treasurer

CONTENTS May/June 2022

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President’s View: Celebrating Fair Housing Month and Beyond

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CEO’s Desk: Obstacles to Home Buying in the Garden State

ADVERTISING SALES Laura Lemos | 973-822-9274 laura@boja.com DESIGN Rebecca Ryan McQuigg | Encompass Media Group

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Important Dates & Deadlines

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Legislative Update: Our Top Three Advocacy Issues

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Homes for the Future

Town Spotlight: Hammonton: Small Town Feel, Big City Appeal

rebecca@encompasspubs.com

New Jersey Realtors® provides legal and legislative updates as well as information on a variety of real estate related topics solely for the use of its members.

Due to the wide range of issues affecting its members, NJ Realtors® publishes information concerning those issues that NJ Realtors®, in its sole discretion, deems the most important for its members.

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Paying for Home Renovations

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Renovations that Add Resilience to Homes

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Home Designs for Zodiac Signs

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The content and accuracy of all articles and/or advertisements by persons not employed by or

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agents of NJ Realtor® are the sole responsibility of their author. NJ Realtors® disclaims any liability or responsibility for their content or accuracy. Where such articles and/or advertisements contain legal advice or standards, NJ Realtors® recommends that NJ Realtors® seek legal counsel with regard to any specific situation to which they may seek to apply the

Tech Column: 5 Cyber Security Tips to Keep You Safe

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6 Budget-Friendly Smart Home Features

article.

New

Jersey

Realtor ® ,

publication

number

13260. Published bi-monthly each year. Member subscriptions allocated annually from annual dues: $3. Non-member annual subscription: $10. Known office of publication: 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton,

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Downsize Your Home, Upgrade Your Life

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Board/Association News

NJ 08611. Periodicals postage paid at Trenton, NJ 08611 and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to Editor, 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611.

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@NJ_Realtors

2 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2022

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PRESIDENT’S VIEW

Celebrating Fair Housing Month and Beyond

BY ROBERT WHITE

I

t’s May and while Fair Housing Month has come and gone, the lessons we must carry with us for the entire year remain. We were able to host four free continuing education classes this past April to celebrate Fair Housing Month while aligning with our plan to continue to strive for better diversity, equity, and inclusion in our profession and our association.

Members learned how to create websites that are accessible to all, discovered how to align their businesses to uphold the Code of Ethics, discovered the differences between personal and implicit biases, and explored New Jersey’s Fair Chance in Housing Act. Practicing real estate in an ethical way doesn’t end when April ends. June is Pride Month, where the LGBTQ+ community celebrates their history, impact, and rights around the world. For our profession as Realtors®, it’s critical for us to provide the same level of service to our clients, regardless of their sexual identity or gender identity.

4 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR ® | May/June 2022

I’m proud that this year we have a few things in the works for June. We’ve been working with the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, a non-profit member organization with the mission to empower the LGBTQ+ community towards homeownership, on an agreement between our two organizations and I’m hopeful that come June we’ll be able to share the details of that. Also, forthcoming is an educational class in June that will focus specifically on helping LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers—more details to come.

And in continuation of our year-long focus on DEI, we’ve recently launched a children’s art contest focused on bringing the conversation of fair housing into the home.

The contest’s theme is Open Hearts, Open Doors and is open to anyone between the ages of 6 and 18 with a familial tie to a New Jersey Realtors®. We look forward to looking at the beautiful art this community will create.

Learn more on page 20.

FROM THE CEO’S DESK

Obstacles to Home Buying in the Garden State

N

early all home buyers and potential home buyers across races/ethnicities agree that homeownership is still the American Dream, according to the National Association of Realtors®’ 2022 Obstacles to Home Buying report released in April. However, current market conditions make that dream less attainable. According to the same poll results, homebuyers face obstacles such as a lack of homes that fit their criteria, competition with multiple offers, and saving for a down payment.

For the past few years, even pre-pandemic, the industry has seen a lack of inventory. Paired with higher-than-average prices and inflation, some first-time homebuyers are having a tough time entering the market. According to NJ Realtors® February housing data, there were just 18,679 homes for sale in all categories across the state, a 29.3% decrease over February 2021. While inventory declines, the median sales price continues to rise, clocking in at $400,000 year to date.

That’s $35,000 more than the 2021 overall median sales price.

What Realtors® Are Reporting Members agree that clients are not finding what they want within their price range, and clients are opting to compromise on many of their must-haves, ideal location, and price, according to NJ Realtors®’ latest member poll. The poll also reports that 25% of respondents’ clients have opted to withdraw from the market altogether, and 90% of members said inventory has a huge or big impact on housing prices.

5 Ways the Association Helps You Help Your Clients 1. The Keys to Homeownership Virtual Seminars: For the past year, NJ Realtors® has hosted virtual seminars aimed at first-time homebuyers to help combat misinformation about the NJ housing market and provide resources to help them enter the market. Visit nj.realestate/find for more information.

2. NJ Realtors® Housing Market Data: New market data is released every month to help you help your clients understand what the market looks like where they want to buy.

3. NJ Realtors® Member Perks Partners: Help your clients save on services to prep their homes for sale with savings opportunities on virtual tours, video marketing for listings, cleaning services, and more.

4. We’re advocating for a first-time buyer savings account: This would help first-time buyers save money towards a down payment with tax benefits.

5. Working with the NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency: We’ve created relationships with state agencies and are disseminating new information about down payment assistance, grant programs, and more.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR ® | May/June 2022 | 5

I M P O R TA N T D AT E S & D E A D L I N E S

MAY

1-6

National Association of Realtors® Legislative Meetings

JUNE

Eid al-Fitr

4

7

14

9

8-9

Board of Directors Meeting

Independence Day

Eid al-Adha Begins

17

5

Cinco de Mayo

AUGUST

14

Flag Day

2

JULY

NJ Realtors® Office Closed—Juneteenth

Purple Heart Day

National Association of Realtors® Leadership Summit

9

National Women’s Day

19

8

Father’s Day

Mother’s Day

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NJ Realtors® Office Closed—Memorial Day Correction: The date for Passover was listed incorrectly in the March/April calendar. Passover began on April 15, 2022.

Save the Date Realtors® Day in Trenton

June 9, 2022

6 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | May/June 2022

FIRST-TIME BUYERS START YOUR NEXT CHAPTER

For New Jersey residents looking to buy their first home, saving enough money for a down payment often comes second to more immediate costs of living – student loans, childcare, rent, insurance, and additional expenses.

There is a significant income ready segment of the New Jersey population poised to become first-time homebuyers, yet this initial down payment and closing cost hurdle is the # 1 impediment to their owning a home. New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency can help them over this hurdle.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM NJHMFA’s Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program provides $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers.

These funds need never be repaid if the borrower lives in their new home for at least five years without selling, refinancing, or defaulting.

Learn more at TheRoadHomeNJ.com To partner on homebuying webinars for your current and potential clients, email marketing@njhmfa.gov

njhousing.gov

L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E

Our Top Three Advocacy Issues

BY CATHERINE BEST

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ew Jersey Realtors® Leadership Team and Government Affairs Department returned to Capitol Hill, in Washington D.C. for the first time since March 2020 to speak with New Jersey federal elected officials. To successfully advocate for member businesses, homeowners, private property rights, and the future of the industry, it is vital to meet with members of Congress and their staff about issues that directly impact New Jersey Realtors®. Meetings like our annual Hill Visits keep real estate issues top of mind and provide congressional offices with key insights into the local housing markets in their districts.

Here are the top three issues we discussed with members of the NJ Congressional Delegation.

TAXES no matter if you file single or joint. NAR strongly supports changing the deduction cap to $20,000 for joint returns and indexing the cap for inflation.

Preserving 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges

State and Local Tax Deduction

The SALT deduction cap makes it more expensive to live in the Garden State and NJ Realtors® is advocating to abolish it. It first became law following the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and was set in motion for the 2018 tax year. The deduction gives taxpayers the ability to deduct what they’ve paid in state and local taxes on their federal tax return. Prior to 2018, there was no limit to the deduction, but currently the deduction is capped at $10,000.

According to the National Association of Realtors®, the tax code penalizes families who file joint tax returns since the deduction cap is limited to $10,000,

1031 like-kind exchanges have been recognized

by U.S. tax law to swap investment properties and defer taxes on capital gains. It allows for further investments, flexibility, expansion, and job creation. At a time when the commercial real estate sector is still suffering amid the effects of the pandemic and needs additional flexibility, it is critical to keep these as an option.

Keeping 1031 like-kind exchanges in motion is a top issue impacting the commercial real estate industry.

NJ Realtors® is advocating to preserve them as it promotes further investment and job creation in our state. The National Association of Realtors® will continue to educate congressional offices on this issue and its importance to the economy.

FAIR HOUSING Ensuring fair housing for all is a top priority of New Jersey Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®. Discrimination does play a role when it comes to purchasing a home, and according to the National Association of Realtors® 2022 Obstacles to Home Buying report, approximately one third of Black potential home buyers faced discrimination during the home buying process due to their race/ethnicity.

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New Jersey Realtors® and NAR support additional funding for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to fund fair housing education, enforcement, grant programs, and state civil rights agencies. NAR also supports increased housing discrimination testing.

L E G I S L AT I V E U P D AT E

NATIONAL FLOOD INSURANCE PROGRAM NAR and New Jersey Realtors® believe Congress should pass a long-term reauthorization of the NFIP and include meaningful reforms that open the door to private market flood insurance and modernize flood mapping and mitigation investments. Flood insurance is required for a mortgage in more than 20,000 communities nationwide and as of June 2016, this represents 5.08 million policies. New Jersey ranks fourth in the nation in the number of NFIP policies in effect and third in the total value of claims paid. While there is a growing private market for flood insurance, millions of small businesses and homeowners currently depend on the NFIP to protect their property against flooding, the most costly and common natural disaster in the United States.

Without flood insurance, property owners would have to rely on the federal government for taxpayer-funded disaster relief after major floods.

RPAC

OF NEW

JERSEY RPAC Dollars Raised as of April 4, 2022:

$508,054.06

2022 RPAC Goal: $1,093,250.00 $819,937.50 $546,625.00 $273,312.50

N E W J E R S E Y L E G I S L AT I V E B I L L S A2233 – Greenwald (D6), Calabrese (D36)/ S518 – Cruz-Perez (D5), Beach (D6) Eliminates one percent tax on purchasers of Class 4A commercial property transferred for consideration in excess of $1 million.

New Jersey Realtors® Position:

STRONG SUPPORT

We strongly support this bill to stimulate New Jersey’s commercial real estate market by eliminating the one percent buyer’s fee.

Bill History: 1/11/2022 – Introduced in Senate and referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee 2/7/2022 – Introduced in Assembly and referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee 3/14/2022 – Reported out of Assembly Committee and referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee

A2266 – Murphy (D7) Establishes five-year housing advisory plan.

New Jersey Realtors® Position:

SUPPORT

We support this bill so the State can have proper long term planning for New Jersey residential housing needs.

Bill History: 2/7/2022 – Introduced in Assembly and referred to Assembly Housing Committee

S231 – Pennacchio (R26) Establishes home elevation fund and dedicates up to $5 million of realty transfer fee revenue annually for this purpose.

New Jersey Realtors® Position:

MONITOR

We are monitoring this bill since the appropriations portion is being funded through revenue from the realty transfer fee.

Bill History: 1/11/2022 – Introduced in Senate and referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 9

Paying for Home

Renovations

BY PAMELA BABCOCK

T

he pandemic brought a surge in home improvement projects that doesn’t appear to be waning. While the U.S. economy shrank by 3.5% in 2020, spending on home improvements and repairs grew more than 3%, to nearly $420 billion, as people modified living spaces for work, school, and leisure, according to “Improving America’s Housing 2021,” a report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

According to the report, “the pandemic has in fact been something of a boon for the remodeling industry by forcing a variety of housing and lifestyle changes that encourage improvement spending.”

Finance Options for Your Clients Next Remodeling Project

The outlook for remodeling remains positive, particularly given the uptick in residential mobility. Many living in expensive metro areas are moving to lower their housing costs, which leaves more of their budgets available for remodeling projects. In addition, those who deferred projects at the height of the pandemic are moving forward with repairs and improvements. Replacement projects –upgrades to roofing, siding, windows, systems, and equipment–were the most popular in 2019, accounting for 46% of total expenditures, while spending on discretionary projects such as kitchen and bath remodels and room additions made up 29%, according to the report.

Saving and paying cash: If you can, saving cash is your best option, according to Bernie Kiely, a certified financial planner and certified public accountant with Kiely Capital Management in Morristown.

Some use cash to pay, while others turn to lines of credit, conventional or government loans or credit cards. If all this sounds daunting, don’t worry. According to LightStream’s annual Home Improvement Survey, 62% of respondents said they get excited about home improvement projects but 61% said costs deter them from moving forward. The survey also found that while 43% of homeowners have some knowledge about financing options, 11% said they have “no knowledge” but want to know more.

Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A HELOC isn’t a loan but a variable-rate, revolving line of credit (usually up to 80% of your home’s value, minus the amount you owe on the mortgage) that allows you to borrow against the equity in your home. HELOCs come with a draw period and repayment period.

10 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022

Kiely knows paying cash isn’t an option for many, especially the younger generation that may be footing college bills and sapped from years of paying high apartment rents. “As a tax preparer, I see personally the finances for a lot of people.

There are clients who have $75,000 in interest income and then I have clients that have $200 in interest income. Some people are naturally savers,” said Kiely.

For example, if your home is worth $500,000 and the outstanding mortgage is $200,000, a bank may give you

Credit card: Some cards provide cash back rewards for every dollar you spend but you’ll want to pay off your balance pronto since credit cards typically have much higher interest rates than other financing. Renovation costs also often exceed your credit limit and you don’t want to max out your credit card.

Cash-out refinance: A mortgage refinance could lower your rate and monthly payment and free up cash for renovations. A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a bigger one, which includes your current balance, equity you’re taking out and closing costs you want to include, according to Bankrate. You can deduct interest you pay on the new mortgage if you use cashed-out funds to make certain capital improvements. Be sure to check with a tax professional to ensure the projects you want to undertake qualify.

a line of credit for 80 percent of $300,000 (the equity you have in the house) or $240,000. Steve Cimiluca got a HELOC to replace the roof, upgrade HVAC, and do a sixmonth gut overhaul of the first floor of his family’s home in Hasbrouck Heights in 2020.

“It was kind of no brainer because the interest will be tax deductible,” said Cimiluca. Best of all, if you have a line of credit and don’t need to spend all of it if you don’t need to and therefore won’t have additional debt and pay related interest on the extra amount, as you would with a conventional loan.

Home equity loan: Unlike a line of credit, this type of loan provides a lump sum for improvements. It’s also based on the equity in your home. You’ll have fixed payments and a fixed interest rate for the life of the loan.

Personal or conventional loan: Unlike a HELOC or a home equity loan, you don’t have to put your home up as collateral. But interest rates are typically higher and there’s a shorter timeframe to repay the money – typically five to seven years. You may get a low interest rate but can’t deduct interest paid for home improvements, as you can with a HELOC or a home equity loan.

Other financing options: Government-backed loan options include Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation and Freddie Mac Choice Renovation. According to Bankrate, they typically offer “more favorable terms and interest rates” than personal loans, credit cards or home equity loans. Unlike HELOCs or home equity loans, which are based on equity you have in the home before you do improvement projects, the HomeStyle loan limit is based on a percentage of the value of your home after improvements are made.

Looking back on his project, Cimiluca said paying cash was never a consideration since he prefers to keep his money in investment accounts. His advice to anyone trying to figure out how to pay is to do online research and speak with a banker or financial advisor.

“We didn’t start work until we got the money – that’s pretty important,” said Cimiluca. “If you already have accounts with a certain bank, the bankers will be very helpful and tell you what your options are.” Ask if they offer any special promotional rates for the first year. Cimiluca said he obtained one that’s “very close to prime.” The rate is adjustable each year based on a margin and lower than it would have been on a conventional mortgage.

He estimates the renovation has increased the home’s value by up to 20% and that his family will save $3,000 to $5,000 on taxes this year by deducting the interest.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 11

TECH COLUMN

5

Cyber Security Tips to Keep You Safe

BY WILLIAM THOMPSON NJ REALTORS® DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY

12 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022

1

Keep Your Devices Up to Date

From every device you own to every app you install it seems like every day a new notification appears requesting to run another update. Updates used to mean great added features, but now everything looks identical to the way it did yesterday. While it may seem like nothing is happening, these incremental updates are extremely important. Every day devices and apps are trying to be infiltrated and every day developers are trying to thwart them; these defenses rely on you to keep your systems up to date. The dangers of these bugs vary, however, in its most dangerous form it can be exploited to allow complete control over your computer and all the data it holds. I recommend turning on automatic updates for any system that has the ability, such as your mobile phone and computer. Most will perform the updates while you sleep to ensure the least possible interruption.

For any software or app, such as your web browser, that may not automatically update, I suggest manually checking for updates on a regular basis. Personally, I check every Friday with my morning coffee in hand, which turns the process into a habit and makes it much easier to remember.

2

Secure Your Accounts with Proper Passwords

I know the struggle, you have an account for everything and it’s difficult to remember the username and password combination to every one of them, never mind when each site adds in their special character or uppercase requirements, it’s impossible! The reality is your credentials are the only thing standing between a website or service and the rest of the world and the protection is only as strong as the password you choose. According to Statista, 70% of U.S. Internet users use the same password for multiple accounts, and for those users, one data breach could open the door to all accounts. As difficult as it may be, I must implore you to create a unique set of credentials for every service and website. I recommend creating a complex, but memorable, base password (e.g. #onE-r3alTor), then, for each service, append a name to your base password (e.g. #onE-r3alTor-Netflix). While this practice will allow for sufficiently difficult and unique passwords for every account, I also recommend employing the use of a password manager. Password managers, such as LastPass, 1Password, or bitwarden, allow you to generate and store impossibly complex passwords for each of your accounts without the need to remember them. You’re responsible for remembering your vault password, however once unlocked you’ll be able to copy-and-paste the credentials for the sites you need to access. Most password managers have apps and plugins that allow you easily autofill your password and are readily available on your phone, computer, and directly in your browser.

TECH COLUMN

3

Prevent Unauthorized Access with Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication is a means of securing your account with more than just your username and password. The most common implementation of MFA sends a one-time password to a registered device, usually through text message, that must be entered before proceeding. Enabling multi-factor authentication ensures even if your credentials are compromised, access won’t be granted to your account without an additional layer of verification, greatly increasing the security of your accounts. My recommendation is to enable multi-factor authentication with any website that provides the ability, however, at an absolute minimum, enable it with your email provider, banking institutions, and file storage solutions.

4

Stay Ahead of Ransomware Attacks with Data Backups

Only a few years ago, the recommendation to back up your files stemmed from risk of hard drive failure, or stolen computers, however now there is a dangerous and evolving threat circulating, ransomware.

Ransomware is malware that encrypts the data of a victim’s device, rendering it useless, and demanding payment to recover. While all scammers claim to provide an unlock key upon payment, many won’t since they know you’ll pay, and will continue increasing the demands until you give up. The technologies used by ransomware attacks are the same used to protect your data, once infected there is virtually no way to reverse the damage. It is vitally important that all your data is regularly and securely backed up. Services such as Apple’s iCloud Backup or Backup by Google One can be set to back up your phone or tablet nightly allowing you to set it and forget it. For your computer, you’ll want to look for a service that provides continuous and secure backups, such as Backblaze, CrashPlan, or Carbonite. If attacked, having a backup solution would allow you to completely reset your device, removing any malicious software, and restore your files directly from your backup solution.

5

Protect Sensitive Data with Secure File Storage

Storing your files online has many benefits, however, you need to be cautious when and where you’re storing sensitive information.

Services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud, and OneDrive all provide high levels of security by encrypting your data while being uploaded and remain encrypted while stored protecting you from both man-in-the-middle attacks and data breaches.

While email is a wonderful technology that keeps us connected, it is was never intended, and should never be used, as a means of transmitting sensitive data.

My recommendation if you need to send a sensitive file, is to email link to the file, generated by your file storage service, which can expire after a set time. For added protection, you could set a password for the file and provide the password through a separate means of communication, preferably in-person or over the phone.

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1 Your client’s participation in the Verified Approval program is based on an underwriter’s comprehensive analysis of their credit, income, employment status, debt, property, insurance and appraisal as well as a satisfactory title report/search. If new information materially changes the underwriting decision resulting in a denial of the credit request, if the loan fails to close for a reason outside of Rocket Mortgage’s control, or if the client no longer wants to proceed with the loan, their participation in the program will be discontinued. If the client’s eligibility in the program does not change and their mortgage loan does not close, they will receive $1,000. This offer does not apply to new purchase loans submitted to Rocket Mortgage through a mortgage broker. This offer is not valid for self-employed clients. Rocket Mortgage reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time. Acceptance of this offer constitutes the acceptance of these terms and conditions, which are subject to change at the sole discretion of Rocket Mortgage. This is not a commitment to lend. Additional conditions or exclusions may apply.

Rocket Mortgage, LLC; NMLS #3030; www.NMLSConsumerAccess.org. Equal Housing Lender. Licensed in 50 states. AL License No. MC 20979, Control No. 100152352. AR, TX: 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226-1906, (888) 474-0404; AZ: 1 N. Central Ave., Ste. 2000, Phoenix, AZ 85004, Mortgage Banker License #BK-0902939; CA: Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act; CO: Regulated by the Division of Real Estate; GA: Residential Mortgage Licensee #11704; IL: Residential Mortgage Licensee #4127 – Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation; KS: Licensed Mortgage Company MC.0025309; MA: Mortgage Lender License #ML 3030; ME: Supervised Lender License; MN: Not an offer for a rate lock agreement; MS: Licensed by the MS Dept. of Banking and Consumer Finance; NH: Licensed by the NH Banking Dept., #6743MB; NV: License #626; NJ: New Jersey – Rocket Mortgage, LLC, 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226, (888) 474-0404, Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance.; NY: Rocket Mortgage, LLC, 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 Licensed Mortgage Banker-NYS Department of Financial Services; OH: MB 850076; OR: License #ML-1387; PA: Licensed by the Dept. of Banking – License #21430; RI: Licensed Lender; WA: Consumer Loan Company License CL-3030. Conditions may apply. ©2000 – 2022 Rocket Mortgage, LLC. All rights reserved. Lending services provided by Rocket Mortgage, LLC, a subsidiary of Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RKT).

Rocket Mortgage, 1050 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226-1906

Downsize Your Home, Upgrade Your Life

BY ERIN McFEETERS

W

ith higher than ever sales prices and a lack of inventory for buyers, any mention of downsizing often correlates with purchasing a smaller home. However, your clients don’t necessarily have to compromise the spaciousness or square footage to downsize. Clients could want to downsize by eliminating their travel time to family members, cutting back on expenses, or lightening their responsibilities.

“We are seeing people look at new or different configurations of space. For many of them, downsizing does not necessarily mean a smaller home but one that has more options for use of space or more people involved sharing the costs,” said Kathryn “Kat” Timpson, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker Realty

in Summit. “A room off a kitchen for increased at-home schooltime; a full apartment in the basement (or potential for it) to have different generations living together or to offer a rental opportunity; more outdoor space so that there is room for everyone to be out of the house but still nearby; better proximity to more things they want like recreational options that come from living in less densely populated areas. Maybe it should be called RE-sizing.”

NEW JERSEY REALTOR ® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 15

Aging in Place and Mitigating the Need for Future Assistance

The industry has heard the phrase, aging in place, time and time again, but what does it mean? Your clients will have different needs throughout their lives, and if they’re looking for a home that they can stay in for tenplus years, there are a few necessities to do so. Having a bedroom, full bathroom, and laundry access on the first floor could be an absolute necessity in the future.

Your clients may want enough room for a home office for their current season of life, but in the future, may want to transition it into a bedroom for an aging parent. Aging in place means buying a home that evolves with you and reduces the urgency to move in the future.

“I have a client who is looking to buy a home at about the same price as what their current home is listed for. The logic behind it is that they are working professionals and plan to retire in the next few years to pursue more traveling,” said Tezeta Roro, a Realtor® with Keller Williams Suburban Realty. “To enjoy that lifestyle, they are looking to move into a home that has enough space for their family without the maintenance associated with a large single-family home with a yard.

So luxury condos, townhomes and even co-ops are being considered where a concierge type lifestyle allows for families to travel frequently without worrying about up keeping their properties.”

Phasing Out a Close Commute to Work

If your client moved to Hoboken because of the easy access into the city, but now they’re retired and looking for somewhere more suburban, they’re not alone. This situation was common for many during the pandemic and was coined, “The Great Resignation” by Texas A&M University organizational psychologist, Anthony Klotz.

According to the Pew Research Center, from the third quarter of 2019 to the third quarter of 2021, the retired population ages 55 and older grew by about 3.5 million.

That’s 3.5 million whose income and job status changed.

A client who was once commuting into the city could also now work 100% remotely. Like your retired client, they could be looking for more space and a more suburban lifestyle.

16 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022

“Downsizing does not always mean smaller; it can be right sizing. At times in life where the home no longer fits the need intended, people are looking to change the layout of their living space, clean out items that do not serve a purpose in their lives at this point, and look for alternatives that meet the new phase in their lives,” said Nicole Ventrella, a Realtor® with Coldwell Banker in Moorestown.

“It can be moving from a multi-level home to a single level floor plan or moving neighborhood or area to incorporate lifestyle needs. With any move if you put into practice clearing out things you do not need, packing away and labeling things you intend to keep, and deciding on what to do with the rest, then your next move has order and purpose.”

Cutting Back on Expenses

Living in an expensive and popular area could leave much to be desired with inflation on the rise. While walkable downtowns are growing in popularity, downtown access comes with a price. Shifting gears to a more affordable neighborhood may now be the need of your client and vital to their financial success.

Knowing and having familiarity with many towns in your area can help you help your clients downsize without sacrificing space.

Extending Far Beyond A Conventional Brokerage Firm.

SignatureRealtyNJ.com

SignatureRealtyAcademy.com NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 17

Photo courtesy of Fortunato Architecture

HOMES FOR THE

FUTURE

BY LEE NELSON

he pandemic proved a few things; homes became a sanctuary, workplace, homeschool, entertainment, and a haven from the world’s woes.

Many decided they need more space — inside and out — to enhance all facets of living, working, and playing. They have turned to New Jersey designers, architects, and developers to build brand-new homes.

smart home compatibility,” said John Davern, D.R. Horton’s New Jersey Division President.

Davern is also seeing a growing demand for luxury vinyl plank flooring, which can withstand wear and tear while still offering an attractive hardwood appearance, as well as interest in wider floor planks.

Photo courtesy of Fortunato Architecture

T

Even though sky-rocketing costs and supply chain issues continue, there is still demand for brand-new builds. They can be big or small, manufactured offsite, built with organic and sustainable materials, or totally customizable. Builders continue to ask their clients to be patient since some items are still hard to receive in a reasonable time. Plus, it’s difficult for them to give bids on projects that are months away when the price of many materials won’t stop fluctuating.

Trending Home Building Materials

Inflation hasn’t stopped people from coming to New Jersey from New York, Philadelphia, and other big cities to spend money to tear down older houses and build their dream homes, said Dan Fortunato, principal architect at the Fortunato Architecture. When they come to him for designs, their main desire remains more space.

Clients are also requesting more height with vaulted ceilings and beams, home offices, and outdoor space to entertain.

“Our home buyers are prioritizing separate home office spaces away from the main area, separate entertainment spaces, larger yards for pool and outside entertainment and 18 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR ® | May/June 2022

“Families are important. Everyone stands at the kitchen island,” said Fortunato. “They want very large areas to gather. People are even foregoing dining rooms and using the island as dual purpose.”

In bathrooms, quartz and Silestone countertops with rectangular sink bowls have become top fashionable choices due to their clean lines and sophisticated feel, and flooring offers more rectangular tile plans as opposed to more traditional square tiles.

Smart home technology continues to grow in popularity, and D.R. Horton homes include smart home technology features such as a smart home panels, Echo Dot, and SkyBell, a video doorbell. Davern said he recently began installing electrical switches that can be controlled through voice activation.

“As the younger generation who grew up with smart technology all their life, when they get to the home-building age, you will see more voice and motion-activated controls and other technologies added in,” said Hartman.

Home Construction

A modular home is a method of construction and can be designed and built offsite whether it’s a modest ranch or a large, multi-million-dollar home. The public used to confuse a modular home with a mobile home, said Alfred J. Sica Jr., president of SICA Modular Homes in Toms River.

during the construction process, and builders adhere to stringent quality control standards and inspections.

Before the pandemic, Sica’s company could build a home in six to 10 weeks, but now with the supply chain problems, it takes five to seven months to get a home delivered.

Modular home foundations are already built when the home is delivered. But that still doesn’t alleviate all the supply chain issues. A modular home can be 10 to 15% less expensive than stick built despite all the cost increases the past few years, said Sica.

Other home options in New Jersey can be complicated because of local zoning codes and laws, according to Hartman.

“All modular homes are built inside a factory under controlled conditions by a competent, qualified, and dependable labor force,” said Sica.

He comments, too, that shipping container homes are a fad and “you have to do so much work to make them fit a code— energy and structure codes. It’s counterproductive. But I applaud the reusability,” said Hartman.

That means that the wood, floors, trims, and all the other materials are never compromised by inclement weather

As for sustainable products, he recommends people using the materials that make the most sense in their region.

Jessica Cellars

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NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 19

ART CONTEST REQUIREMENTS Eligible Art Contest Applicants:

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Fair Housing, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

2022

ART CONTEST OPEN DOORS, OPEN HEARTS

All art contest applicants must: 1. be residents of New Jersey; 2. have a familial relationship to a member of New Jersey Realtors®; and 3. be between the ages of 6 and 18.

Artwork Submission Criteria: 1. Each applicant may submit one piece of art; 2. Each piece of art must be 8 ½ by 11 inches (U.S. letter size); 3. Each piece of art must be two-dimensional but may be presented in any medium, including but not limited to, paintings, drawings, digital prints and/or photography; 4. Each piece of art must be submitted with a Registration Form and a Multimedia Release Form, both forms must be typed or neatly printed and must be fully completed; 5. Each piece of art must reflect what Open Doors, Open Hearts in Housing means to the applicant; and 6. All entries (including the requisite forms) must be submitted to New Jersey Realtors® by 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2022. a. Entries may be submitted online, njrealtor.com/about/diversity/; or b. Hard copies may be mailed to New Jersey Realtors® headquarters at 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey 08611.

Judging Criteria: New Jersey Realtors® is proudly sponsoring this art contest to create awareness and celebrate the importance of the Fair Housing Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.

The Fair Housing laws, diversity, equity and inclusion play an important role in supporting housing opportunities for all.

20 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022

1. This contest will be judged based on the following age groups: • 6 – 10 years • 11 – 14 years • 15 – 18 years 2. Winners will be selected from each age group and prizes will be awarded as follows: First Place ($100 gift card), Second Place ($75 gift card) and Third Place ($50 gift card). Honorable Mentions will also be awarded.

To review the full rules and forms for entering the contest, please visit njrealtor.com/diversity

SPONSORED CONTENT

Wish Lists and Financial Anxiety: How REALTORS® and Lenders Can Help Firsttime Homebuyers Land their Dream Home First-time homebuyers have a long list of priorities, many inspired by the extra time they spent at home during the pandemic. They’re excited about the prospect of homeownership, with many former city dwellers looking to make the jump to the suburbs and settle down.

But they also feel anxious and unprepared for New Jersey’s competitive market. Despite the challenges, interest rates are hovering near historic lows and it’s still a good time to invest in a home. So, how do we help buyers when inventory is low?

When REALTORS� and lenders work together, homebuyers are more successful in finding and financing a home that meets their criteria.

To understand how homebuyers are approaching the market in 2022, TD Bank’s First-Time Homebuyer Pulse surveyed 1,000+ Americans who intend to purchase their first home this year.

Wish List Shifts The survey found that in a significant shift, proximity to work is no longer driving the decision about where to live, with just 31% saying “close to office/work” is a top priority, down from 37% percent in 2021.

As many employers based in New York City and Philadelphia, popular locations for New Jerseyans to commute to, have shifted to remote or hybrid schedules, REALTORS� can help buyers explore areas they may not have considered in the past.

After years of using their living space as offices, classrooms and entertainment centers, it’s understandable that 69% of

homebuyers say the desire for more space is a motivator, up from 57% the prior year. Nearly half are looking for space for a home office and 37% would like space for a home gym.

Furry friends also reign supreme with nearly half seeking a home with space for a pet, rising to 54% for millennials.

Couple those wish lists with the current market in many parts of New Jersey — low inventory, steep competition, and high prices — and it’s clear buyers will need quick, expert advice and their financing ready to go when they find their spacious, pet-friendly dream home.

Preparation Can Alleviate Anxiety While buyers remain committed to purchasing a new home, only 36% agree that now is a good time to buy, a sharp decline from 59% the previous year. Finances and the state of the economy are chief sources of worry. Seven out of 10 say they’re concerned about the economy, and 67% are concerned about their ability to afford a home. The housing market is also dampening enthusiasm, with the majority (65%) of buyers saying home prices are too high. While 35% of those respondents still want to purchase a home as quickly as they can, nearly a third (30%) are willing to wait it out a bit.

Taking action and working closely with REALTORS� and lenders can help lessen buyers’ anxieties and set them up to be more successful. At a time when cash offers have become more common, particularly from real estate investors in New Jersey’s hot housing market, having a

substantial down payment is crucial. Yet less than half of first-time homebuyers (48%) have started saving for a down payment, compared to 59% last year. More than half (54%) have not yet established a budget and those who have may have failed to account for the costs of home ownership, from maintenance and renovations, to HOA fees, utilities and insurance.

To increase their chances of landing their new home, homebuyers should be prepared, connecting with a lender early in the process to balance househunting with realistic financial considerations. Still, just 22% of hopeful homebuyers have spoken with a lender, despite 33% reporting they have already started physically or virtually touring homes.

Despite wish list shifts, economic anxieties and the challenges of a competitive New Jersey market, the desire for homeownership is as strong as ever. REALTORS� and lenders can collaborate to provide homebuyers with wraparound guidance on important insight like down payment assistance programs, setting expectations and navigating the process. In this market, having a team of professionals on the buyer’s side can make the difference between staying put in a suboptimal living situation and enjoying that dream home alongside your pandemic puppy.

Bill Westdyk

Regional Mortgage Sales Manager, New Jersey William.Westdyk@td.com

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 21

TOWN SPOTLIGHT

Courtesy of Blue Rascal Distillery

Hammonton Small Town Feel, Big City Appeal

BY LINDSEY GETZ Courtesy of Blue Rascal Distillery

L

ocated between Philadelphia and Atlantic City, Hammonton is known as the “Blueberry Capital of the World.” While there’s no doubt the sandy soil is optimal for blueberry growth, this charming town wants people to know there’s so much more to it than fruit.

For such a small town, there’s a tremendous amount to do. This includes an abundance of wineries, breweries, and distilleries, a variety of festivals, arts programming that easily rivals a big city, and so much more.

The city has dubbed the phrase, small town feel, big city appeal, to summarize all that it has to offer.

22 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022

Jim Donio, Hammonton’s “town advocate,” a title given to him by the mayor, has been directly involved in the town’s continued growth, including its embracing of the arts. He said a day trip to Hammonton could be easily jampacked with activities.

For those seeking fresh air, there’s plenty to do outdoors. Donio said being ringed by Wharton State Forest has prevented this area from being overrun by the sprawl that exists all around them. In that way, it’s almost like an island—and it makes for a great escape.

“There is mountain biking, fishing, and hiking,” Donio said. “We have seen a lot of growth as people have

come to appreciate being outside and enjoying nature.”

There’s truly something for everyone with seven wineries, three breweries, a wine bar, and a distillery, visitors have plenty of options. Blue Rascal Distillery has even found a way to incorporate the town’s blueberry history with blueberry-infused liqueur and custom cocktails.

As far as food goes, the options are equally as varied. Donio said Penza’s Pies is the perfect place to pick up both sweet and savory pies. Joe Italiano’s Maplewood is known for being the town’s long-standing Italian restaurant and Donio said the area is also fortunate to have a couple of different

TOWN SPOTLIGHT

Italian markets with specialty meats and cheeses for sale.

A new bakery, BreadHeads Bakery and Café, also features made-from-scratch baked goods.

“DiDonato Family Fun Center is also an attraction to the area for its incredible food, boozy shakes, ice cream, and bowling,” said Donio. “Their Magical Holiday Express is one of the biggest draws at the holidays.”

While the DiDonato “Rolling Railway” also has Easter and Halloween rides, their ride through millions of Christmas lights—plus a meet

and greet with Santa and his elves—regularly brings in a tremendous number of visitors and frequently sells out.

The burgeoning arts programming is also a draw. Hammonton has fully embraced the arts in a way that allows people to have experiences they otherwise only could in a large city according to Donio.

“We have the only year-round professional equity theatre company in South Jersey, so we are able to bring in some of the same levels of actors that you would see in a big city production,” said Donio.

Courtesy of BreadHeads Bakery

Courtesy of Joe Italiano’s Maplewood

Festivals also draw many new visitors to the area and according to Donio, they have leaned in on the idea of being known for these events.

From the annual Red, White & Blueberry Festival to having the country’s longest-running Italian Festival, said Donio Hammonton has become known for having a “series of festival, events, parades, and activities.”

As Hammonton continues to see an increasing number of visitors, said Donio the need for overnight accommodations is growing. A recently transformed Catholic cathedral has become an event space known as the Kathedral, and features some accommodations in the former rectory, now known as The Martinn. There are currently five suites available with seven more on the way.

“We are also working on a boutique hotel and will be working collaboratively on bringing a nationally branded hotel to the town as well,” said Donio. “We are actively seeking partners to help make that happen. As more people are moving out of the city or at least looking for a getaway, Hammonton only continues to grow.”

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 23

Renovations that Add Resilience to Homes

BY MICHELE LERNER

F

ollowing Superstorm Sandy wreaking havoc along New Jersey’s coast, it became apparent for many to make home improvements that can withstand intense storms and extreme temperatures.

The home of Joseph McMullen, a Realtor-Associate® in Spring Lake, was damaged in the storm and his experience in the coastal climate helps him advise buyers and sellers with resilient home improvements.

“Real estate agents should know the true price of various fixes that may be required now or in the future,” said McMullen. “A lot of buyers think a roof may cost $40,000 when it’s really an $8,000 job. Agents also need to know their market. Right now, homeowners can sell without fixing things, so it helps to advise buyers to budget for potential repairs and renovations.”

Existing homes offer a chance for “opportunistic retrofitting,” said Deane Evans, FAIA, director of the Center for Building Knowledge at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark.

24 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022

“The average homebuyer spends $7,000 on home improvements when they move into a house,” said Evans.

“There are programs available that incentivize or help pay for energy efficient improvements, so it’s smart to use the opportunity to invest in things that will make your home more resilient in a storm and during power outages.”

Evans recommends real estate agents inform buyers about the value of renovations designed for resilience.

“If a seller upgraded their systems to make them more energy efficient and replaced the windows or the roof, agents can explain how important these things are in terms of sustainability and resilience to extreme weather along with saving money,” said Evans. “In the long run, these things also add value to a home.”

Severe storms, high winds and extreme temperatures impact homes throughout New Jersey and are anticipated to become more intense because of climate change. New Jersey has a high water table, so homes are particularly prone to water infiltration, said Alan Archuleta, principal of Archuleta Builders in Morristown.

12 Home Improvements for Durability While not every homeowner or buyer has an unlimited budget, there are plenty of improvements that can be made at a lower cost.

1. Exterior maintenance.

About 75 to 80% of water that comes into a basement is caused by poor exterior maintenance, said Archuleta. He recommends cleaning downspouts and checking that the building envelope is sealed. Christine Liaukus, an architect at the Center for Building Knowledge at the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, suggests making sure that gutters dump water far from the base of the house.

2. Proper grading. Sometimes when a neighbor changes their landscaping it can cause water to flow into your yard and home, said Archuleta. Grading the foundation to slope away from the house is a lowcost preventative measure that every homeowner should do, suggested Liaukus.

4. Trim the trees. Roof damage is the number one most common insurance claim, said Liaukus. The best protection for your roof is to prune nearby tree branches and remove unhealthy trees or those that are too close to the house, said McMullen. Because of the high water table in New Jersey, many trees don’t have the root system to handle high winds, Archuleta said. In addition, he said, allowing more sun to reach the roof allows it to dry in between storms and avoid mold.

every year, said Evans, and with a small extra investment in insulation the homes can be substantially improved.

5. Upgrade exterior trim.

McMullen recently replaced rotted wood trim with Azek fiberglass trim, which is not only more attractive but is also less porous and therefore resistant to water infiltration. A quicker and less costly fix is to paint trim with acrylic paint, said McMullen.

10. Elevate mechanical systems.

Both indoor and outdoor air conditioning units, furnaces, water heaters and heat pumps can be elevated to reduce damage from flooding and indoor units, said Chapman-Henderson. Raising appliances indoors on top of bricks or even planks of vinyl siding can save homeowners from an expensive repair, said Liaukus

6. Install a rain garden and porous pavers. A rain garden can reduce the risk of flood and add curb appeal to a house, said Liaukus.

Instead of using hard stone surfaces for patios and driveways, Liaukus recommends using porous pavers to allow water to sink into the ground rather than run off the surface.

3. Sump pumps and French drains. In an unfinished basement, adding a sump pump or a French drain can cost $10,000, said Archuleta, but the price can be much higher in a finished basement with floors that would need to be torn up and replaced. These systems need a battery back-up in case of power outages and regular inspections to make sure they are working properly. ChapmanHenderson suggests hiring a plumber to add a back flow preventer to keep sewage from flowing into a house.

7. Anchor fuel tanks. Spilled oil and gas can be an environmental hazard and a fire risk, said ChapmanHenderson. Anchoring the tanks can prevent them being damaged or leaking during severe weather.

8. Add insulation. Cellulose insulation can be blown into walls through small holes and added to a basement and attic to improve energy efficiency and resilience to extreme temperatures, said Liaukus. A layer of insulation can be added when installing new siding. About 10,000 homes in New Jersey are re-sided

9. Replace the windows. Windows that let in air and moisture should be replaced with double or tripled-paned windows for energy efficiency and strength in a storm, said McMullen.

The Fortified Home program provides guidance on windows and other strategies to improve resilience, said Liaukus.

11. Check for corrosion. When outdoor light fixtures, doorknobs, hinges, and outlets become corroded, it’s not just an eyesore, it can be an electrical hazard, said McMullen.

12. Install flood vents. Vents that look like grills can be retrofitted to allow water to flow through the lowest level of a house, said ChapmanHenderson. The homeowners can design that level with materials that are less prone to damage during a flood and may get a discount on their flood insurance premiums.

Raising awareness of ways homes can be strengthened against natural disasters and extreme weather can be one more way real estate agents can serve as trusted advisors to their clients.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 25

HOME DESIGNS FOR THE

ZODIAC SIGNS

BY DANA FIORI

D

oes your zodiac sign match up with your home preferences? Here are some traits each sign is known for according to astrologyzodiacsigns.com and astrology.com.

o

o

January 20 – February 18 Color: Blue Qualities: artistic, independent, original

Aquarius’ are known to be artistic and progressive, therefore modern decor is more up your alley than antiques.

Consider very sleek designs with silver accents, lots of mirrors or glass doors, and open space. To channel the artist in you, add a pop of color with an interesting piece of art or accent pillows.

v

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 Color: Aquamarine Qualities: compassionate, creative, homebody

Pisces are the most introverted of all the signs so it makes sense that their home makes them feel cozy, safe, and allows them to dream. As a Pisces, make sure to fill your space with comfortable furniture, warm light, and all your favorite things. As a homebody, your home is full of comfortable items that make it hard for even guests to leave. Your family and friends will want to spend time at your home, which may or may not be a good thing.

p

p

26 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022

AQUARIUS

ARIES

March 21 – April 19 Color: Red Qualities: enthusiastic, confident, determined

As a fire sign, Aries are very bold, and their home design is no exception.

Eccentric colors and funky patterns scream your name and neutrals can take a hike. You need your space to reflect your energy and personality so fun accent chairs, bright colored walls, or interesting art pieces make your place feel the most home.

y

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 Color: Green Qualities: reliable, practical, stable

As the opposite of the Aries, you like your space to be neutral and classic.

All white rooms with hints of color are your idea of a dream home, and details matter. Your pieces all match and you like to have everything orderly. Since Taurus don’t like change, make sure you invest in high quality furniture that lasts through the times and trends.

s

GEMINI

May 21 – June 20 Color: Yellow Qualities: affectionate, curious, adaptable

Geminis are very social and love to have good conversations, therefore your house is the place to be. Your hosting skills are top-notch, and you have an epic outdoor area specifically for entertaining family and friends.

Geminis always have a lot on their minds and their style is always changing, therefore adding accent pieces is the smart choice since they aren’t permanent and can easily be switched with your mood.

q

CANCER

June 21 – July 22 Color: Silver Qualities: imaginative, loyal, nurturing

Cancers are major homebodies and sentimental. Their idea of the perfect home decor is walls and tables filled with family photos, memorable art, or nostalgic pieces. Cancers also thrive in bright, light-colored rooms that feel very airy. They have a hard time letting go of things so their homes are usually full of trinkets and family heirlooms.

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LEO

July 23 – August 22 Color: Orange Qualities: cheerful, humorous, warmhearted

Leos love to be the center of attention and their home is no exception. With bold colors and abstract art, they like to express themselves and experiment with their furniture and be as loud and the sign’s roar. Being very social, Leos’ love hosting and sharing their space with others. Leos are also considered the royalty of the zodiac signs, so their home also reflects that with expensive furniture and lavish touches.

z

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 Color: Brown Qualites: analytical, hardworking, practical

x

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 Color: Black Qualities: resourceful, powerful, brave

While Scorpios are quite confident, they are also very private and appreciate their alone time. Scorpios need to have space to unwind and recharge, like a reading nook, cozy bedroom, or an office space just for them. Scorpios are also attracted to dark colors and luscious materials like velvet and satin. A statement piece for a Scorpio would be a dark velvet couch in their area that makes them feel comfortable and cozy.

w

SAGITTARIUS

November 22 – December 21 Color: Purple Qualites: generous, sense of humor, idealistic

Virgos like their space to be clean therefore neutrals, shelving, and organization are their best friends.

Virgos aren’t overly social, they would rather spend their time at home reading, cooking, or watching tv. The best investment for a Virgo would be minimalist furniture or a sturdy bookcase that functions as organizational and decorative.

Sagittariuses thrive on adventure and travel, filling their home with their memories and travel experiences reminds them of all their getaways and inspires them for their next. This fire sign also does not like neutral colors and instead is drawn to statement pieces, unique finds, and one-of-a-kind items they probably found while traveling.

Sagittarius are lively and their home is a representation of that.

u

r

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 Color: Pink Qualities: gracious, fair-minded, social

Libras thrive in the outdoors, therefore having a great entertainment area in the yard is a must-have. The sign of Libra is a scale so home decor balance is key for this air sign. Simplicity over clutter will make your house feel like a home, as well as a balance of neutrals and colors. Libras are open-minded and like all colors which can make a space too hectic. Try to focus on one color scheme and base decor off that.

s

CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 Color: Gray Qualities: responsible, disciplined, ambitious

Another sign that is a homebody— Capricorns love to stay in and be cozy. A Capricorn’s home is probably minimalistic yet homey and has a good mix of traditional and modern pieces.

Capricorns are very practical, so knickknacks, tchotchkes, and any form of clutter are out of the question. They are also very family oriented so time spent with loved ones at home is something Capricorns cherish.

t

u x

Information pulled from astrology.com and astrologyzodiacsigns.com NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 27

6 BUDGET-FRIENDLY SMART HOME FEATURES

BY ERIN McFEETERS

1

3

Echo Show 5

Smart Speaker

Smart Security Camera

Bring up recipes, manage your smart home devices, watch your favorite shows, and more with the Echo Show 5. While the product is smaller, it’s the more affordable smart home display from Amazon’s lineup but has everything your clients could need. Use it in the bedroom on the nightstand to set up your morning routine, in the kitchen to video call while cooking, or in the living room to display all your photos.

Amazon Echo $99 • amazon.com Use Amazon’s Alexa to play music, check the weather, turn on appliances, and more for just under $100. The fourth version of this device features Amazon’s best speaker yet, and it can open your clients’ eyes to what’s possible with smart home features and appliances. Alexa makes life easier by keeping track of routines, grocery lists, and Amazon purchases. Once your Echo is set up and ready to go, enable NJ Realtors® Flash Briefing and Alexa will read you NJ Realtors® Weekly.

2

Nest Thermostat Smart Thermostat

$129 • store.google.com

Google has two thermostat products, however the Nest Thermostat is the more economical option. Decide on a home heating and cooling schedule, and you’ll be well on your way to reducing costs on your next energy bill. Establish your temperature preferences for the morning, afternoon, and while you’re sleeping, plus the Nest will provide temperature suggestions to help you save even more money. The Nest will keep system tabs on your HVAC system to ensure everything is working, and if it’s not, it’ll notify you on your smartphone. Consider contacting your energy provider to see if you’re eligible to save even more with rebates.

28 | NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022

Smart Home Display

Wyze Cam v3

$35.98 • wyze.com

If your clients are looking for an affordable added layer of protection when they move into their new home, look no further than Wyze. The camera has low-light capabilities and can be mounted inside or outside. It’s also built for extreme temperatures between -4°-113°F, features twoway talk and a mini siren.

5

$84.99 amazon.com

4

Philips Soft White A19 LED Smart Light Bulbs

$29.99 for set of two • phillips-hue.com

Countless smart light bulbs are on the market, but Philips is the most widely available at brick-and-mortar stores, and it is compatible with both Google and Amazon smart home devices. Philip’s A19 bulb features a dimmable light and is easy to set up. Use them through the Philips smartphone application or connect them to a smart home device.

6

Meater Plus

Smart Kitchen Tool

$99.95 • store-us.meater.com

There are countless kitchen gadgets available on the market, and the Meater Plus is the item no one knew they needed. Meater Plus connects to your smartphone and will help you cook perfect and consistent meals every time. From smokers to ovens to gas grills, the Meater keeps track of meat temperature and notifies you when cooking is complete. The accompanying application takes the guesswork out of cooking and helps determine your perfect doneness.

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Realtors® Hold Successful Food Drive The Monmouth Ocean Regional Realtors® held a food drive throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties on behalf of Fulfill Foodbank. MORR® member offices collected 3,609 pounds of food and over $2,600, which equates to 10,898 meals for food insecure community members.

MORR® members supporting food insecure community members with a food collection drive.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR® | MAY/JUNE 2022 | 29

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